Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements

IEC 60704-1:2021 applies to electric appliances (including their accessories or components) for household and similar use, supplied from mains or from batteries.
By "similar use" is understood the use in conditions similar to those found in households, for example in inns, coffee houses, tea rooms, hotels, barber or hairdresser shops, launderettes, etc., if not otherwise specified in the IEC 60704-2 series.
This document does not apply to:
– appliances, equipment, or machines designed exclusively for industrial or professional purposes;
– appliances that are integrated parts of a building or its installations, such as equipment for air conditioning, heating and ventilating (except household fans, cooker hoods, free-standing heating appliances, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and stand-alone water heaters), oil burners for central heating, pumps for water supply and for sewage systems;
– separate motors or generators and
– appliances exclusively for outdoor use.
For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see IEC 60704-3:2019.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) update of references (especially to ISO standards);
b) revision of requirements on climatic conditions;
c) revision of requirements on background noise level.

Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues - Code d'essai pour la détermination du bruit aérien - Partie 1: Exigences générales

L’IEC 60704-1:2021 s’applique aux appareils électriques pour usages domestiques et analogues, y compris leurs accessoires ou composants, alimentés à partir du réseau ou par piles ou accumulateurs.
L’expression "usages analogues" s’entend des usages dans des conditions similaires à celles des foyers domestiques, par exemple dans les restaurants, cafés, salons de thé, hôtels, salons de coiffure, laveries, etc. sauf spécification contraire dans la série IEC 60704-2.
Le présent document ne s’applique pas
– aux appareils, équipements ou machines conçus exclusivement pour des usages industriels ou professionnels;
– aux appareils qui font partie intégrante d’un bâtiment ou de ses installations, tels que les équipements de climatisation, de chauffage ou de ventilation (à l’exception des ventilateurs domestiques, des hottes de cuisine et des appareils de chauffage indépendants, des déshumidificateurs, des épurateurs d’air et des chauffe-eau indépendants), aux brûleurs à mazout pour le chauffage central, aux pompes pour l’alimentation en eau et pour les systèmes d’eaux usées;
– aux moteurs ou générateurs individuels; et
– aux appareils exclusivement destinés à une utilisation à l’extérieur.
Pour déterminer et vérifier les valeurs d’émission acoustique déclarées dans les spécifications de produit, voir l’IEC 60704-3:2019.
Cette quatrième édition annule et remplace la troisième édition parue en 2010. Cette édition constitue une révision technique.
Elle inclut les modifications majeures suivantes par rapport à l’édition précédente:
a) mise à jour des références (notamment aux normes ISO);
b) révision des exigences relatives aux conditions climatiques;
c) révision des exigences relatives au niveau de bruit de fond.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
10-Mar-2021
Drafting Committee
JWG 2 - TC 59/JWG 2
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
11-Mar-2021
Completion Date
02-Apr-2021

Relations

Effective Date
05-Sep-2023

Overview

IEC 60704-1:2021 - "Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements" - defines the general requirements, measurement methods and reporting rules used to determine airborne noise from electric household and similar appliances supplied from mains or batteries. This fourth edition (2021) is a technical revision of the 2010 edition and updates normative references, climatic condition requirements and background noise criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

  • Scope and exclusions: applies to household and similar-use appliances (including accessories/components). Excludes appliances designed exclusively for industrial/professional use, integrated building installations (with specific exceptions), separate motors/generators, and appliances exclusively for outdoor use.
  • Measurement methods: describes the direct method and the comparison method for determining sound emissions.
  • Acoustical environments: specifies acceptable test environments (free-field over reflecting plane, hard-walled rooms, special reverberation rooms) and provides criteria for environmental adequacy and background noise level.
  • Instrumentation and setup: requirements for microphones, arrays, measurement surfaces and instrumentation for climatic and operating condition monitoring.
  • Operation and pre-conditioning: rules for equipping, pre-conditioning, powering and loading appliances during tests, and for supply conditions (electric, water, gas).
  • Measurement procedures: guidance on microphone placement, measurement surfaces, repeatability and reproducibility, and calculation of sound pressure and sound power levels (including A-weighted levels).
  • Corrections and uncertainty: procedures for correcting background noise and test environment influences, and for estimating measurement uncertainty.
  • Reporting and documentation: mandatory data to record and report - appliance description, test conditions, instrumentation, acoustic data, calculations and results.

Practical applications and users

IEC 60704-1 is essential for:

  • Manufacturers developing quieter household products and declaring noise emissions in datasheets.
  • Test laboratories performing standardized acoustical noise testing and certification.
  • Regulatory bodies and certification schemes that require harmonized noise measurement procedures.
  • Product designers and acoustic engineers assessing product noise performance and design trade-offs.
  • Procurement and quality teams verifying noise claims during verification testing.

Use this standard when you need consistent, internationally recognized methods for measuring and reporting airborne noise from household and similar appliances.

Related standards

  • IEC 60704-2 series - product-specific test methods (referenced where applicable)
  • IEC 60704-3:2019 - procedures for determining and verifying declared noise emission values
  • Updated references to relevant ISO standards are included in the 2021 edition.

Keywords: IEC 60704-1, airborne acoustical noise, household appliances noise testing, sound power level, acoustic test room, background noise, measurement uncertainty.

Standard

IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV - Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements Released:3/11/2021 Isbn:9782832295717

English language
114 pages
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Standard

IEC 60704-1:2021 - Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements

English and French language
73 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

IEC 60704-1:2021 is a standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its full title is "Household and similar electrical appliances - Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise - Part 1: General requirements". This standard covers: IEC 60704-1:2021 applies to electric appliances (including their accessories or components) for household and similar use, supplied from mains or from batteries. By "similar use" is understood the use in conditions similar to those found in households, for example in inns, coffee houses, tea rooms, hotels, barber or hairdresser shops, launderettes, etc., if not otherwise specified in the IEC 60704-2 series. This document does not apply to: – appliances, equipment, or machines designed exclusively for industrial or professional purposes; – appliances that are integrated parts of a building or its installations, such as equipment for air conditioning, heating and ventilating (except household fans, cooker hoods, free-standing heating appliances, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and stand-alone water heaters), oil burners for central heating, pumps for water supply and for sewage systems; – separate motors or generators and – appliances exclusively for outdoor use. For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see IEC 60704-3:2019. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition: a) update of references (especially to ISO standards); b) revision of requirements on climatic conditions; c) revision of requirements on background noise level.

IEC 60704-1:2021 applies to electric appliances (including their accessories or components) for household and similar use, supplied from mains or from batteries. By "similar use" is understood the use in conditions similar to those found in households, for example in inns, coffee houses, tea rooms, hotels, barber or hairdresser shops, launderettes, etc., if not otherwise specified in the IEC 60704-2 series. This document does not apply to: – appliances, equipment, or machines designed exclusively for industrial or professional purposes; – appliances that are integrated parts of a building or its installations, such as equipment for air conditioning, heating and ventilating (except household fans, cooker hoods, free-standing heating appliances, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and stand-alone water heaters), oil burners for central heating, pumps for water supply and for sewage systems; – separate motors or generators and – appliances exclusively for outdoor use. For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see IEC 60704-3:2019. This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition constitutes a technical revision. It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition: a) update of references (especially to ISO standards); b) revision of requirements on climatic conditions; c) revision of requirements on background noise level.

IEC 60704-1:2021 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.120 - Domestic safety; 97.170 - Body care equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

IEC 60704-1:2021 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to IEC 60704-1:2010. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

You can purchase IEC 60704-1:2021 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of IEC standards.

Standards Content (Sample)


IEC 60704-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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inside
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination
of airborne acoustical noise –
Part 1: General requirements
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IEC 60704-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-03
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination

of airborne acoustical noise –

Part 1: General requirements
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 13.120; 97.170 ISBN 978-2-8322-9571-7

– 2 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 2
1 Scope and object . 7
1.1 Scope .
1.1.1 General .
1.1.2 Types of noise .
1.1.3 Size of the source .
1.2 Object .
1.3 Measurement uncertainty .
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments . 11
4.1 General . 11
4.2 Direct method . 11
4.3 Comparison method . 12
4.4 Acoustical environments . 12
4.4.1 General requirements and criterion for adequacy of the test
environment . 12
4.4.2 Criterion for background noise level . 13
4.4.3 Environmental conditions . 13
4.5 Measurement uncertainties . 13
4.5.1 General . 13
4.5.2 Standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility and standard
deviations related to declaration and verification . 13
5 Instrumentation . 14
5.1 Instrumentation for measuring acoustical data . 14
5.2 Instrumentation for measuring climatic conditions . 14
5.3 Instrumentation for measuring operating conditions . 14
6 Operation and location of appliances under test . 15
6.1 Equipping and pre-conditioning of appliances . 15
6.2 Supply of electric energy and of water or gas . 15
6.3 Climatic conditions . 16
6.4 Loading and operating of appliances during tests . 16
6.5 Location and mounting of appliances . 17
7 Measurement of sound pressure levels . 19
7.1 Microphone array, measurement surface and RSS location for essentially
free field conditions over reflecting plane(s) . 19
7.2 Microphone array and RSS location in hard-walled test rooms . 19
7.3 Microphone array and RSS location in special reverberation test rooms . 29
7.4 Measurements . 29
8 Calculation of sound pressure and sound power levels . 30
8.1 General . 30
8.2 Corrections for background noise levels . 30
8.3 Corrections for the test environment . 31
8.4 Calculation of sound pressure level averaged over the microphone positions . 31
8.5 Calculation of sound power levels with the comparison method . 31

8.6 Calculation of sound power levels in free field conditions over a reflecting
plane . 32
8.7 Calculation of A-weighted sound power level with the direct method in
special reverberation test rooms . 32
9 Information to be recorded . 33
9.1 General data . 33
9.2 Description of appliance under test . 33
9.3 Measurement method . 33
9.4 Acoustical test environment . 34
9.5 Instrumentation . 34
9.6 Equipment and pre-conditioning of appliance under test . 34
9.7 Electric supply, water supply, etc. . 34
9.8 Climatic conditions . 34
9.9 Operation of the appliance under test . 35
9.10 Location and mounting of the appliance under test. 35
9.11 Microphone array . 35
9.12 Measurement data . 35
9.13 Calculated sound pressure and sound power levels . 36
9.14 Reporting . 36
10 Information to be reported . 36
10.1 General data . 36
10.2 Appliance under test . 36
10.3 Test conditions for the appliance . 36
10.4 Acoustical data . 37
Annex A (normative) Standard test table . 38
Annex B (normative) Test enclosure . 39
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for the design of simple test rooms with essentially

free field conditions. 40
Bibliography . 41

Figure 1 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for
floor free-standing appliances . 22
Figure 2 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for
floor standing appliances placed against a wall . 23
Figure 3 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for

high floor-standing appliances placed against a wall . 24
Figure 4 – Measurement surface – hemisphere – with key microphone positions, for
hand-held, table type and floor-treatment appliances . 25
Figure 5 – Measurement surface – quarter-sphere – with key microphone positions, for
small floor-standing appliances placed against a wall . 26
Figure 6 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with five or nine microphone

positions for stand-type appliances . 28
Figure A.1 – Example of standard test table . 38
Figure B.1 – Test enclosure . 39

Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels . 14
Table 2 – Standard deviations for declaration and verification . 14

– 4 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
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This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
made to the previous edition IEC 60704-1:2010. A vertical bar appears in the margin
wherever a change has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text.
International Standard IEC 60704-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 59:
Performance of household and similar electrical appliances.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) update of references (especially to ISO standards);
b) revision of requirements on climatic conditions;
c) revision of requirements on background noise level.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
59/753/FDIS 59/762/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60704 series, under the general title Household and similar
electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
INTRODUCTION
Although the noise emitted by household appliances does not generally present a hazard to
the hearing of the operator and other exposed persons, the need for standardization
procedures for the determination of the noise emitted has been recognized for a long time.
Such procedures should be specified, not only for special types of appliances, but also the
principles should be applicable to the majority of appliances in general use.
Generally, the determination of noise levels is only part of a comprehensive testing procedure
covering many aspects of the properties and performances of the appliance. It is therefore
important that the requirements for noise measurements (such as test environment,
instrumentation, and amount of labour involved) should be kept at a modest level.
The results of noise measurements will be are used for many purposes, for example for noise
declaration, as well as for comparing the noise emitted by a specific appliance to the noise
emitted by other appliances of the same family. In other cases, the results will be are taken as
a basis for engineering action in the development stages of new pieces of equipment, or in
deciding on means for sound insulation. For all purposes, it is important to specify procedures
with known accuracy so that the results of measurements taken by different laboratories can
be compared.
These conditions have, as far as possible, been taken into account in the preparation of this
test code. The acoustic measuring methods are based on those described in
ISO 3743‑1:2010, ISO 3743-2:2018 and ISO 3744:2010.
The adoption of these methods permits the use of semihemi-anechoic rooms, special
reverberation test rooms and hard-walled test rooms. The result of the measurements is the
sound power level of the appliance. Within the measuring uncertainty specific to these
methods, the results from the determination under free field conditions over a reflecting plane
are equal to those obtained in reverberant fields. The use of intensity methods as described in
ISO 9614-1 and ISO 9614-2 is subject to a specific part 2.
The use of intensity methods as described in ISO 9614-1:1993, ISO 9614-2:1996, and
ISO 9614-3:2002 is applicable under special conditions, which are described in specific parts
of the IEC 60704-2 series.
It should be emphasized that This test code is concerned with airborne noise only. In some
cases, structure-borne noise, for example transmitted to the adjoining room, may can be of
importance.
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope and object
1.1 Scope
1.1.1 General
This part of IEC 60704 applies to electric appliances (including their accessories or
components) for household and similar use, supplied from mains or from batteries.
By "similar use" is understood the use in conditions similar to those found in households, for
example in inns, coffee houses, tea rooms, hotels, barber or hairdresser shops, launderettes,
etc., if not otherwise specified in the IEC 60704-2 series.
This document does not apply to
– appliances, equipment, or machines designed exclusively for industrial or professional
purposes;
– appliances that are integrated parts of a building or its installations, such as equipment for
air conditioning, heating and ventilating (except household fans, cooker hoods, free-
standing heating appliances, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and stand-alone water heaters),
oil burners for central heating, pumps for water supply and for sewage systems;
– separate motors or generators and
– appliances exclusively for outdoor use.
For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see
IEC 60704-3:2019.
1.1.2 Types of noise
A classification of different types of noise is given in ISO 12001. The method specified in
ISO 3744 is suitable for measurements of all types of noise emitted by household appliances.
The methods specified in ISO 3743-1 and ISO 3743-2 are suitable for all types of noise,
except for sources of impulsive noise consisting of short duration noise bursts. This will be
taken into account in the preparation of parts 2.
1.1.3 Size of the source
The method specified in ISO 3744 is applicable to noise sources of any size. Limitations for
the size of the source are given in 1.3 of ISO 3743-1 and ISO 3743-2. This will be taken into
account in the preparation of parts 2.
1.2 Object
This standard is concerned with objective methods of engineering accuracy (grade 2
according to ISO 12001) for determining sound power levels L , expressed in decibels (dB)
W
with reference to a sound power of one picowatt (1 pW), of airborne acoustical noise within
the specified frequency range of interest (generally including the octave bands with centre
frequencies from 125 Hz to 8 000 Hz), and for prescribed operating conditions of the
appliance to be measured.
– 8 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
The following quantities are used:
– A-weighted sound power level, L ; and
WA
– octave band sound power levels.
In general, the described methods are specified for appliances without an operator present. A
part 2 can specify that an operator will be present only for the (rare) cases where an
appliance can only be operated, or must be fed, by an operator.
Methods for determining sound power levels with precision accuracy (grade 1 according to
ISO 12001), specified for example in ISO 3741 and ISO 3745, are not included in this
standard. They may, however, be applied if the appropriate test environment and
instrumentation are available.
NOTE 1 The noise values obtained under the described conditions of this part will not necessarily correspond with
the noise experienced under the operational conditions of practical use.
NOTE 2 For quality control during production etc., simplified methods may be appropriate. For noise reduction
purposes, other measurement methods employing, for example, narrow-band analysis or intensity techniques
usually will have to be applied. These methods are not covered by this part.
1.3 Measurement uncertainty
The estimated values of the standard deviations of reproducibility of sound power levels
determined according to this part are given in 1.4 of ISO 3743-1 and of ISO 3743-2, and in 1.4
of ISO 3744. But for a particular family of appliances of similar size with similar operating
conditions, the standard deviations of reproducibility may be smaller than these values.
Hence, in part 2, standard deviations smaller than those listed in ISO standards may be
stated if substantiation is available from the results of suitable interlaboratory tests.
IEC 60704-3 gives values of standard deviations of reproducibility for several categories of
appliances.
In case of discrepancies between the measurements where the results normally remain inside
the foreseen standard deviation, it will be necessary to perform measurements according to
the upper grade of accuracy: grade 1, laboratory or precision, as described in ISO 3741 or
ISO 3745.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60038:2009, IEC standard voltages
IEC 60704-2 (all parts), Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the
determination of airborne acoustical noise
IEC 60704-3:20062019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the
determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 3: Procedure for determining and verifying
declared noise emission values
IEC 61260:1995, Electroacoustics – Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters

IEC 61260-1:2014, Electroacoustics – Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters – Part 1:
Specifications
IEC 61672-1:20022013, Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 1: Specifications
ISO 3741:1999, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Precision methods for reverberation rooms
ISO 3743-1:19942010, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources –
Engineering methods for small, movable sources in reverberant fields – Part 1: Comparison
method for hard-walled test rooms
ISO 3743-2:19942018, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources
using sound pressure – Engineering methods for small, movable sources in reverberant fields
– Part 2: Methods for special reverberation test rooms
ISO 3744:19942010, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
ISO 3745:2003, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Precision method for anechoic and hemi-anechoic rooms
ISO 9614-1:1993, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 1: Measurement at discrete points
ISO 9614-2:1996, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 2: Measurement by scanning
ISO 9614-3:2002, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 3: Precision method for measurement by scanning
ISO 6926:19992016, Acoustics – Requirements for the performance and calibration of
reference sound sources used for the determination of sound power levels
ISO 12001:1996, Acoustics – Noise emitted by machinery and equipment – Rules for the
drafting and presentation of a noise test code
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. Terms and
definitions pertinent to the determination of sound power levels may can be found in
ISO 3743-1:2010, ISO 3743-2:2018 and ISO 3744:2010.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
measurement time interval
portion or a multiple of an operational period or operational cycle for which the sound power
levels are determined
– 10 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
3.2
operational period
interval of time during which a specified process is accomplished by the appliance under test
(for example, washing or rinsing or drying for a dishwasher)
3.3
operational cycle
specific sequence of operational periods occurring while the appliance under test performs a
complete work cycle. During the operational cycle, each operational period is associated with
a specific process that may occur only once, or may be repeated (for example, for a
dishwasher, washing and rinsing and drying)
Note 1 to entry: During the operational cycle, each operational period is associated with a specific process that
can occur only once, or can be repeated (for example, washing and rinsing and drying for a dishwasher).
3.4
time history
continuous recording of the sound pressure level (for a distinct microphone position) as a
function of time, which is obtained during one or more operational periods of an operational
cycle
3.5
reference box
hypothetical right parallelepiped terminating on the reflecting plane(s) on which the noise
source under test is located, that just encloses the source including all the significant sound
radiating components and any test table on which the source is mounted
[SOURCE: ISO 3744:2010, 3.10, modified – The note has been omitted.]
3.6
test enclosure
enclosure used for simulating the typical acoustic built-in or/and mounting conditions
3.5
standard test operator
a person necessary for operating or feeding the appliance under test, not wearing abnormally
sound absorptive clothing which might influence the sound measurements
3.6
centre of location or position of a source
the term used for describing the location or position of the source (appliance) to be tested
within the test environment and, in free field environment, with respect to the co-ordinate
system of microphone positions
The centre of location is such that the centre of the appliance coincides with the centre of a
parallelepiped drawn around the main part of hand-held, suspended, or stand-type
appliances.
The centre of location is such that the centre of the appliance coincides with the centre of a
rectangle drawn around the projection of the main part of the appliance on the floor, for floor-
supported appliances, and on the wall, for wall-mounted appliances.
3.7
nominal height
h
n
the smallest integer multiple of 5 mm that accommodates the height of the installation opening
according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions

3.8
nominal width
w
n
the smallest integer multiple of 5 mm that accommodates the width of the installation opening
according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions
3.9
nominal depth
d
n
the smallest integer multiple of 5 mm, equal to or greater than 515 mm, that accommodates
the depth of the installation opening according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments
4.1 General
This document is concerned with objective methods of engineering accuracy grade 2 in
accordance with ISO 12001:1996 for determining sound power levels L , expressed in
W
decibels (dB), with reference to a sound power of one picowatt (1 pW), of airborne acoustical
noise within the specified frequency range of interest (generally including the octave-bands
with centre frequencies from 125 Hz to 8 000 Hz), and for prescribed operating conditions of
the appliance to be measured.
Methods for determining sound power levels with precision accuracy grade 1 in accordance
with ISO 12001:1996, as specified for example in ISO 3741 and ISO 3745, are not included in
this document. They may, however, be applied if the appropriate test environment and
instrumentation are available.
NOTE 1 The noise values obtained under the described conditions of this document will not necessarily
correspond to the noise experienced under the operational conditions of practical use.
NOTE 2 For quality control during production etc., simplified methods can be appropriate. For noise reduction
purposes, other measurement methods employing, for example, narrow-band analysis or intensity techniques
usually have to be applied. These methods are not covered by this document.
The total noise emitted by machinery or equipment and radiated in all directions to the space
surrounding the machine can be characterized by the sound power of the machine. Within the
accuracy range of this document, the sound power of a machine is essentially basically
independent of the environment in which the machine is installed
Therefore, the concept of sound power level has been chosen for expressing the noise
emission of appliances for household and similar purposes.
The preferred noise emission quantity is the A-weighted sound power level, L , in dB
WA
(re 1 pW).
According to this document, two principal methods exist, the direct method and the
comparison method, as described in 4.2 and 4.3. These two methods can be used
alternatively.
Different types of environments, as described in 4.4, may be used. A part of the IEC 60704-2
series may, if necessary, exclude one or several combinations among those available.
4.2 Direct method
The direct method can be used only for measurements in qualified test environments in
accordance with ISO 3744:2010 for free field conditions over reflecting plane(s), and in
accordance with ISO 3743-2:2018 for special reverberation test rooms.

– 12 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
With this method, the sound power level is determined
– in free field conditions over reflecting plane(s), from time-averaged sound pressure levels
(on a mean-square basis) over the measurement surface and from the area of the
measurement surface, S, or
– in reverberation and special reverberation test rooms, from averaged sound pressure
levels, and from the reverberation time and the volume of the test room.
This method yields results expressed in A-weighted sound power levels (and in octave-band
sound power levels, if required) which are calculated directly from measured sound pressure
levels.
If for a measurement in a free field, reverberation or special reverberation room is not
possible because the appliance cannot be placed or operated in such an environment, the
intensity method in accordance with ISO 9614-1:1993, ISO 9614-2:1996, and ISO 9614-
3:2002 shall be applied. For the intensity method, the standard deviations given in the parts of
the IEC 60704-2 series and IEC 60704-3:2019 are not applicable unless stated explicitly.
These methods yield results expressed in A-weighted sound power levels (and in octave- or
1/3 octave-band sound power levels, if required) that are calculated directly from measured
sound pressure levels.
NOTE This method can also be used in conjunction with more precise methods, such as those given in ISO 3741
and ISO 3745.
4.3 Comparison method
The comparison method for measurement is explicitly described in ISO 3743-1:2010 and in
ISO 3743-2:2018.
NOTE The term "comparison method" is not explicitly given in ISO 3744:2010, but when applying the "absolute
comparison test" for the determination of the environmental correction given in A.3 of ISO 3744:2010, by using a
reference sound source, the procedure is, in fact, a comparison method.
With this method, the sound power level is determined by comparing the averaged values (on
a mean-square basis) of the sound pressure levels produced by the source in the test room to
the averaged values of the sound pressure levels produced in the same room by a calibrated
reference sound source (RSS) of known sound power output, complying with the requirements
of ISO 6926:2016. The difference in sound pressure levels is equal to the difference in sound
power levels when conditions are the same for both sets of measurements.
This method yields results expressed in octave- or 1/3 octave-band sound power levels, and
the A-weighted sound power level is calculated from the octave- or 1/3 octave-band sound
power levels.
To check whether there is a systematic difference between results obtained in different
environments, the use of the comparison method is recommended.
4.4 Acoustical environments
4.4.1 General requirements and criterion for adequacy of the test environment
They are given in the following clauses:
– Clause 4 of ISO 3743-1:2010 for hard-walled test rooms;
– Clause 5 of ISO 3743-2:2018 for special reverberation test rooms and
– Clause 4 of ISO 3744:2010 for free-field conditions over a reflecting plane.
A classification of different types of noise is given in ISO 12001:1996. The method specified
in ISO 3744:2010 is suitable for measurements of all types of noise emitted by household

appliances. The methods specified in ISO 3743-1:2010 and ISO 3743-2:2018 are suitable for
all types of noise, except for sources of impulsive noise consisting of short-duration noise
bursts. This will be taken into account in the preparation of parts of the IEC 60704-2 series.
The method specified in ISO 3744:2010 is applicable to noise sources of any size. Limitations
for the size of the source are given in 4.2 of ISO 3743-1:2010 and in Clause 5 of
ISO 3743-2:2018. This will be taken into account in the preparation of parts of the
IEC 60704-2 series.
NOTE For free-field conditions over a reflecting plane, the absolute comparison test for the qualification of the
environment, described in Clause A.32 of ISO 3744:2010, is preferred.
Guidelines for the design of simple test rooms with free-field conditions are given in Annex C.
Guidelines for the design of a suitable special reverberation test room are given in
ISO 3743-2:2018, Annex A.
4.4.2 Criterion for background noise level
Requirements for the background noise level are given in 4.5 of ISO 3743-1:2010, in 6.5 of
ISO 3743-2:2018 and in 4.2 of ISO 3744:2010. Averaged over the microphone positions, the
background noise level shall be at least 6 dB below, and preferably more than 15 dB below,
the sound pressure level to be measured.
NOTE If the difference between the sound pressure levels of the background noise and the appliance noise is
less than 6 dB, see 8.2.
4.4.3 Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions having an adverse effect on the microphone used for the
measurements (for example, strong electric or magnetic fields, wind, impingement of air
discharge from the equipment being tested, high or low temperatures) shall be avoided by
proper selection or positioning of the microphone.
The instructions of the manufacturers of the measurement instruments regarding adverse
environmental conditions shall be followed. The microphone shall always be oriented in such
a way that the angle of incidence of the sound waves is that for which the microphone is
calibrated.
4.5 Measurement uncertainties
4.5.1 General
The estimated values of the standard deviations of reproducibility of sound power levels
determined in accordance with this document are given in 9.1 of ISO 3743-1:2010, in 11.1 of
ISO 3743‑2:2018 and in 9.1 of ISO 3744:2010. But for a particular family of appliances of
similar size with similar operating conditions, the standard deviations of reproducibility can be
smaller than these values. Hence, in the IEC 60704-2 series, standard deviations smaller than
those listed in ISO standards can be stated if substantiation is available from the results of
suitable interlaboratory tests.
In the case of discrepancies between the measurements where the results normally remain
inside the foreseen standard deviation, it can be helpful to perform measurements according
to the upper grade of accuracy: grade 1, laboratory or precision, as described in ISO 3741 or
ISO 3745.
4.5.2 Standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility and standard
deviations related to declaration and verification
The standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility of sound power levels determined
in accordance with this document are indicated in tables in the IEC 60704-2 series and in

– 14 – IEC 60704-1:2021 RLV © IEC 2021
IEC 60704-3. Tables in the IEC 60704-2 series are given in the format shown in Table 1.
Values (X,X) are given to one decimal place.
Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels
Standard deviation (dB)
σ (repeatability) σ (reproducibility)
r R
X,X X,X
Standard deviations (on production, total and reference) for the purpose of determining and
verifying declared noise emission values in accordance with IEC 60704-3 are provided in the
IEC 60704-2 series and in IEC 60704-3. Tables in the IEC 60704-2 series are given in the
format shown in Table 2. Values are given to one decimal place.
Table 2 – Standard deviations for declaration and verification
Standard deviation (dB)
σ (production) σ (total) σ (reference)
P t M
X,X X,X X,X
5 Instrumentation
5.1 Instrumentation for measuring acoustical data
Requirements for the instrumentation system and for its calibration are given in Clause 5 of
ISO 3743-1:2010, in Clause 7 of ISO 3743-2:2018 and in Clause 5 of ISO 3744:2010.
The instrumentation system shall meet the requirements for a type 1 instrument laid down in
IEC 61672-1:2013, in accordance with the basic standard used. For measurements in octave-
and 1/3 octave-bands, the instrumentation system shall meet the requirements of
IEC 61260‑1:2014.
RSS shall meet the requirements of ISO 6926:2016, and shall be calibrated annually.
5.2 Instrumentation for measuring climatic conditions
5.2.1 The temperature is determined with instruments having an accuracy of ±1 °C.
5.2.2 The relative humidity is determined with instruments having an absolute accuracy of
±2 % within the measuring range.
5.2.3 The absolute air pressure is determined with instruments having an accuracy of
±0,5 kPa.
5.3 Instrumentation for measuring operating conditions
5.3.1 The voltage at the plug of the cable or cord of mains-powered appliances is
measured with voltmeters having an accuracy of class 0,5 instruments.
5.3.2 The voltage at the battery terminals of battery-powered
...


IEC 60704-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination
of airborne acoustical noise –
Part 1: General requirements
Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Code d’essai pour la détermination
du bruit aérien –
Partie 1: Exigences générales
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IEC 60704-1 ®
Edition 4.0 2021-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the determination

of airborne acoustical noise –

Part 1: General requirements
Appareils électrodomestiques et analogues – Code d’essai pour la

détermination du bruit aérien –

Partie 1: Exigences générales
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 13.120; 97.170 ISBN 978-2-8322-9515-1

– 2 – IEC 60704-1:2021 © IEC 2021
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments . 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Direct method . 9
4.3 Comparison method . 10
4.4 Acoustical environments . 10
4.4.1 General requirements and criterion for adequacy of the test
environment . 10
4.4.2 Criterion for background noise level . 11
4.4.3 Environmental conditions . 11
4.5 Measurement uncertainties . 11
4.5.1 General . 11
4.5.2 Standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility and standard
deviations related to declaration and verification . 11
5 Instrumentation . 12
5.1 Instrumentation for measuring acoustical data . 12
5.2 Instrumentation for measuring climatic conditions . 12
5.3 Instrumentation for measuring operating conditions . 12
6 Operation and location of appliances under test . 13
6.1 Equipping and pre-conditioning of appliances . 13
6.2 Supply of electric energy and of water or gas . 13
6.3 Climatic conditions . 14
6.4 Loading and operating of appliances during tests . 14
6.5 Location and mounting of appliances . 15
7 Measurement of sound pressure levels . 17
7.1 Microphone array, measurement surface and RSS location for essentially
free field conditions over reflecting plane(s) . 17
7.2 Microphone array and RSS location in hard-walled test rooms . 25
7.3 Microphone array and RSS location in special reverberation test rooms . 25
7.4 Measurements . 25
8 Calculation of sound pressure and sound power levels . 26
8.1 General . 26
8.2 Corrections for background noise levels . 26
8.3 Corrections for the test environment . 27
8.4 Calculation of sound pressure level averaged over the microphone positions . 27
8.5 Calculation of sound power levels with the comparison method . 27
8.6 Calculation of sound power levels in free field conditions over a reflecting
plane . 28
8.7 Calculation of A-weighted sound power level with the direct method in
special reverberation test rooms . 28
9 Information to be recorded . 29
9.1 General data . 29

9.2 Description of appliance under test . 29
9.3 Measurement method . 29
9.4 Acoustical test environment . 29
9.5 Instrumentation . 30
9.6 Equipment and pre-conditioning of appliance under test . 30
9.7 Electric supply, water supply, etc. . 30
9.8 Climatic conditions . 30
9.9 Operation of the appliance under test . 30
9.10 Location and mounting of the appliance under test. 30
9.11 Microphone array . 31
9.12 Measurement data . 31
9.13 Calculated sound pressure and sound power levels . 31
9.14 Reporting . 31
10 Information to be reported . 32
10.1 General data . 32
10.2 Appliance under test . 32
10.3 Test conditions for the appliance . 32
10.4 Acoustical data . 33
Annex A (normative) Standard test table . 34
Annex B (normative) Test enclosure . 35
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for the design of simple test rooms with essentially
free field conditions. 36
Bibliography . 37

Figure 1 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for
floor free-standing appliances . 18
Figure 2 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for

floor standing appliances placed against a wall . 19
Figure 3 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with key microphone positions, for
high floor-standing appliances placed against a wall . 20
Figure 4 – Measurement surface – hemisphere – with key microphone positions, for
hand-held, table type and floor-treatment appliances . 21
Figure 5 – Measurement surface – quarter-sphere – with key microphone positions, for

small floor-standing appliances placed against a wall . 22
Figure 6 – Measurement surface – parallelepiped – with five or nine microphone
positions for stand-type appliances . 24
Figure A.1 – Example of standard test table . 34
Figure B.1 – Test enclosure . 35

Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels . 12
Table 2 – Standard deviations for declaration and verification . 12

– 4 – IEC 60704-1:2021 © IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 1: General requirements
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
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indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60704-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 59:
Performance of household and similar electrical appliances.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2010. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
It includes the following significant changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) update of references (especially to ISO standards);
b) revision of requirements on climatic conditions;
c) revision of requirements on background noise level.

The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
59/753/FDIS 59/762/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all the parts in the IEC 60704 series, under the general title Household and similar
electrical appliances – Test code for the determination of airborne acoustical noise, can be
found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – IEC 60704-1:2021 © IEC 2021
INTRODUCTION
Although the noise emitted by household appliances does not generally present a hazard to
the hearing of the operator and other exposed persons, the need for standardization
procedures for the determination of the noise emitted has been recognized for a long time.
Such procedures should be specified, not only for special types of appliances, but also the
principles should be applicable to the majority of appliances in general use.
Generally, the determination of noise levels is only part of a comprehensive testing procedure
covering many aspects of the properties and performances of the appliance. It is therefore
important that the requirements for noise measurements (such as test environment,
instrumentation, and amount of labour involved) be kept at a modest level.
The results of noise measurements are used for many purposes, for example for noise
declaration, as well as for comparing the noise emitted by a specific appliance to the noise
emitted by other appliances of the same family. In other cases, the results are taken as a
basis for engineering action in the development stages of new pieces of equipment, or in
deciding on means for sound insulation. For all purposes, it is important to specify procedures
with known accuracy so that the results of measurements taken by different laboratories can
be compared.
These conditions have, as far as possible, been taken into account in the preparation of this
test code. The acoustic measuring methods are based on those described in
ISO 3743‑1:2010, ISO 3743-2:2018 and ISO 3744:2010.
The adoption of these methods permits the use of hemi-anechoic rooms, special reverberation
test rooms and hard-walled test rooms. The result of the measurements is the sound power
level of the appliance. Within the measuring uncertainty specific to these methods, the results
from the determination under free field conditions over a reflecting plane are equal to those
obtained in reverberant fields.
The use of intensity methods as described in ISO 9614-1:1993, ISO 9614-2:1996, and
ISO 9614-3:2002 is applicable under special conditions, which are described in specific parts
of the IEC 60704-2 series.
This test code is concerned with airborne noise only. In some cases, structure-borne noise,
for example transmitted to the adjoining room, can be of importance.

HOUSEHOLD AND SIMILAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES –
TEST CODE FOR THE DETERMINATION
OF AIRBORNE ACOUSTICAL NOISE –

Part 1: General requirements
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60704 applies to electric appliances (including their accessories or
components) for household and similar use, supplied from mains or from batteries.
By "similar use" is understood the use in conditions similar to those found in households, for
example in inns, coffee houses, tea rooms, hotels, barber or hairdresser shops, launderettes,
etc., if not otherwise specified in the IEC 60704-2 series.
This document does not apply to
– appliances, equipment, or machines designed exclusively for industrial or professional
purposes;
– appliances that are integrated parts of a building or its installations, such as equipment for
air conditioning, heating and ventilating (except household fans, cooker hoods, free-
standing heating appliances, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and stand-alone water heaters),
oil burners for central heating, pumps for water supply and for sewage systems;
– separate motors or generators and
– appliances exclusively for outdoor use.
For determining and verifying noise emission values declared in product specifications, see
IEC 60704-3:2019.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60704-2 (all parts), Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the
determination of airborne acoustical noise
IEC 60704-3:2019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Test code for the
determination of airborne acoustical noise – Part 3: Procedure for determining and verifying
declared noise emission values
IEC 61260-1:2014, Electroacoustics – Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters – Part 1:
Specifications
IEC 61672-1:2013, Electroacoustics – Sound level meters – Part 1: Specifications
ISO 3743-1:2010, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources –
Engineering methods for small, movable sources in reverberant fields – Part 1: Comparison
method for hard-walled test rooms

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ISO 3743-2:2018, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Engineering methods for small, movable sources in reverberant fields –
Part 2: Methods for special reverberation test rooms
ISO 3744:2010, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound pressure – Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane
ISO 9614-1:1993, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 1: Measurement at discrete points
ISO 9614-2:1996, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 2: Measurement by scanning
ISO 9614-3:2002, Acoustics – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using
sound intensity – Part 3: Precision method for measurement by scanning
ISO 6926:2016, Acoustics – Requirements for the performance and calibration of reference
sound sources used for the determination of sound power levels
ISO 12001:1996, Acoustics – Noise emitted by machinery and equipment – Rules for the
drafting and presentation of a noise test code
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. Terms and
definitions pertinent to the determination of sound power levels can be found in ISO 3743-
1:2010, ISO 3743-2:2018 and ISO 3744:2010.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
measurement time interval
portion or a multiple of an operational period or operational cycle for which the sound power
levels are determined
3.2
operational period
interval of time during which a specified process is accomplished by the appliance under test
(for example, washing or rinsing or drying for a dishwasher)
3.3
operational cycle
specific sequence of operational periods occurring while the appliance under test performs a
complete work cycle
Note 1 to entry: During the operational cycle, each operational period is associated with a specific process that
can occur only once, or can be repeated (for example, washing and rinsing and drying for a dishwasher).
3.4
time history
continuous recording of the sound pressure level (for a distinct microphone position) as a
function of time, which is obtained during one or more operational periods of an operational
cycle
3.5
reference box
hypothetical right parallelepiped terminating on the reflecting plane(s) on which the noise
source under test is located, that just encloses the source including all the significant sound
radiating components and any test table on which the source is mounted
[SOURCE: ISO 3744:2010, 3.10, modified – The note has been omitted.]
3.6
test enclosure
enclosure used for simulating the typical acoustic built-in or/and mounting conditions
4 Measurement methods and acoustical environments
4.1 General
This document is concerned with objective methods of engineering accuracy grade 2 in
accordance with ISO 12001:1996 for determining sound power levels L , expressed in
W
decibels (dB), with reference to a sound power of one picowatt (1 pW), of airborne acoustical
noise within the specified frequency range of interest (generally including the octave-bands
with centre frequencies from 125 Hz to 8 000 Hz), and for prescribed operating conditions of
the appliance to be measured.
Methods for determining sound power levels with precision accuracy grade 1 in accordance
with ISO 12001:1996, as specified for example in ISO 3741 and ISO 3745, are not included in
this document. They may, however, be applied if the appropriate test environment and
instrumentation are available.
NOTE 1 The noise values obtained under the described conditions of this document will not necessarily
correspond to the noise experienced under the operational conditions of practical use.
NOTE 2 For quality control during production etc., simplified methods can be appropriate. For noise reduction
purposes, other measurement methods employing, for example, narrow-band analysis or intensity techniques
usually have to be applied. These methods are not covered by this document.
The total noise emitted by machinery or equipment and radiated in all directions to the space
surrounding the machine can be characterized by the sound power of the machine. Within the
accuracy range of this document, the sound power of a machine is basically independent of
the environment in which the machine is installed
Therefore, the concept of sound power level has been chosen for expressing the noise
emission of appliances for household and similar purposes.
The preferred noise emission quantity is the A-weighted sound power level, L , in dB
WA
(re 1 pW).
According to this document, two principal methods exist, the direct method and the
comparison method, as described in 4.2 and 4.3. These two methods can be used
alternatively.
Different types of environments, as described in 4.4, may be used. A part of the IEC 60704-2
series may, if necessary, exclude one or several combinations among those available.
4.2 Direct method
The direct method can be used only for measurements in qualified test environments in
accordance with ISO 3744:2010 for free field conditions over reflecting plane(s), and in
accordance with ISO 3743-2:2018 for special reverberation test rooms.

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With this method, the sound power level is determined
– in free field conditions over reflecting plane(s), from time-averaged sound pressure levels
(on a mean-square basis) over the measurement surface and from the area of the
measurement surface, S, or
– in reverberation and special reverberation test rooms, from averaged sound pressure
levels, and from the reverberation time and the volume of the test room.
If for a measurement in a free field, reverberation or special reverberation room is not
possible because the appliance cannot be placed or operated in such an environment, the
intensity method in accordance with ISO 9614-1:1993, ISO 9614-2:1996, and ISO 9614-
3:2002 shall be applied. For the intensity method, the standard deviations given in the parts of
the IEC 60704-2 series and IEC 60704-3:2019 are not applicable unless stated explicitly.
These methods yield results expressed in A-weighted sound power levels (and in octave- or
1/3 octave-band sound power levels, if required) that are calculated directly from measured
sound pressure levels.
NOTE This method can also be used in conjunction with more precise methods, such as those given in ISO 3741
and ISO 3745.
4.3 Comparison method
The comparison method for measurement is explicitly described in ISO 3743-1:2010 and in
ISO 3743-2:2018.
NOTE The term "comparison method" is not explicitly given in ISO 3744:2010, but when applying the "absolute
comparison test" for the determination of the environmental correction given in A.3 of ISO 3744:2010, by using a
reference sound source, the procedure is, in fact, a comparison method.
With this method, the sound power level is determined by comparing the averaged values (on
a mean-square basis) of the sound pressure levels produced by the source in the test room to
the averaged values of the sound pressure levels produced in the same room by a calibrated
reference sound source (RSS) of known sound power output, complying with the requirements
of ISO 6926:2016. The difference in sound pressure levels is equal to the difference in sound
power levels when conditions are the same for both sets of measurements.
This method yields results expressed in octave- or 1/3 octave-band sound power levels, and
the A-weighted sound power level is calculated from the octave- or 1/3 octave-band sound
power levels.
To check whether there is a systematic difference between results obtained in different
environments, the use of the comparison method is recommended.
4.4 Acoustical environments
4.4.1 General requirements and criterion for adequacy of the test environment
They are given in the following clauses:
– Clause 4 of ISO 3743-1:2010 for hard-walled test rooms;
– Clause 5 of ISO 3743-2:2018 for special reverberation test rooms and
– Clause 4 of ISO 3744:2010 for free-field conditions over a reflecting plane.
A classification of different types of noise is given in ISO 12001:1996. The method specified
in ISO 3744:2010 is suitable for measurements of all types of noise emitted by household
appliances. The methods specified in ISO 3743-1:2010 and ISO 3743-2:2018 are suitable for
all types of noise, except for sources of impulsive noise consisting of short-duration noise
bursts. This will be taken into account in the preparation of parts of the IEC 60704-2 series.

The method specified in ISO 3744:2010 is applicable to noise sources of any size. Limitations
for the size of the source are given in 4.2 of ISO 3743-1:2010 and in Clause 5 of
ISO 3743-2:2018. This will be taken into account in the preparation of parts of the
IEC 60704-2 series.
NOTE For free-field conditions over a reflecting plane, the absolute comparison test for the qualification of the
environment, described in Clause A.2 of ISO 3744:2010, is preferred.
Guidelines for the design of simple test rooms with free-field conditions are given in Annex C.
Guidelines for the design of a suitable special reverberation test room are given in
ISO 3743-2:2018, Annex A.
4.4.2 Criterion for background noise level
Requirements for the background noise level are given in 4.5 of ISO 3743-1:2010, in 6.5 of
ISO 3743-2:2018 and in 4.2 of ISO 3744:2010. Averaged over the microphone positions, the
background noise level shall be at least 6 dB below, and preferably more than 15 dB below,
the sound pressure level to be measured.
NOTE If the difference between the sound pressure levels of the background noise and the appliance noise is
less than 6 dB, see 8.2.
4.4.3 Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions having an adverse effect on the microphone used for the
measurements (for example, strong electric or magnetic fields, wind, impingement of air
discharge from the equipment being tested, high or low temperatures) shall be avoided by
proper selection or positioning of the microphone.
The instructions of the manufacturers of the measurement instruments regarding adverse
environmental conditions shall be followed. The microphone shall always be oriented in such
a way that the angle of incidence of the sound waves is that for which the microphone is
calibrated.
4.5 Measurement uncertainties
4.5.1 General
The estimated values of the standard deviations of reproducibility of sound power levels
determined in accordance with this document are given in 9.1 of ISO 3743-1:2010, in 11.1 of
ISO 3743‑2:2018 and in 9.1 of ISO 3744:2010. But for a particular family of appliances of
similar size with similar operating conditions, the standard deviations of reproducibility can be
smaller than these values. Hence, in the IEC 60704-2 series, standard deviations smaller than
those listed in ISO standards can be stated if substantiation is available from the results of
suitable interlaboratory tests.
In the case of discrepancies between the measurements where the results normally remain
inside the foreseen standard deviation, it can be helpful to perform measurements according
to the upper grade of accuracy: grade 1, laboratory or precision, as described in ISO 3741 or
ISO 3745.
4.5.2 Standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility and standard
deviations related to declaration and verification
The standard deviations on repeatability and reproducibility of sound power levels determined
in accordance with this document are indicated in tables in the IEC 60704-2 series and in
IEC 60704-3. Tables in the IEC 60704-2 series are given in the format shown in Table 1.
Values (X,X) are given to one decimal place.

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Table 1 – Standard deviations of sound power levels
Standard deviation (dB)
σ (repeatability) σ (reproducibility)
r R
X,X X,X
Standard deviations (on production, total and reference) for the purpose of determining and
verifying declared noise emission values in accordance with IEC 60704-3 are provided in the
IEC 60704-2 series and in IEC 60704-3. Tables in the IEC 60704-2 series are given in the
format shown in Table 2. Values are given to one decimal place.
Table 2 – Standard deviations for declaration and verification
Standard deviation (dB)
σ (production) σ (total) σ (reference)
P t M
X,X X,X X,X
5 Instrumentation
5.1 Instrumentation for measuring acoustical data
Requirements for the instrumentation system and for its calibration are given in Clause 5 of
ISO 3743-1:2010, in Clause 7 of ISO 3743-2:2018 and in Clause 5 of ISO 3744:2010.
The instrumentation system shall meet the requirements for a type 1 instrument laid down in
IEC 61672-1:2013, in accordance with the basic standard used. For measurements in octave-
and 1/3 octave-bands, the instrumentation system shall meet the requirements of
IEC 61260‑1:2014.
RSS shall meet the requirements of ISO 6926:2016, and shall be calibrated annually.
5.2 Instrumentation for measuring climatic conditions
5.2.1 The temperature is determined with instruments having an accuracy of ±1 °C.
5.2.2 The relative humidity is determined with instruments having an absolute accuracy of
±2 % within the measuring range.
5.2.3 The absolute air pressure is determined with instruments having an accuracy of
±0,5 kPa.
5.3 Instrumentation for measuring operating conditions
5.3.1 The voltage at the plug of the cable or cord of mains-powered appliances is
measured with voltmeters having an accuracy of class 0,5 instruments.
5.3.2 The voltage at the battery terminals of battery-powered appliances is measured with
voltmeters having an accuracy of class 0,5 instruments.
5.3.3 The rotational speed of motors, attachments, etc. is measured, if necessary, with
speed indicators having an accuracy of ±1 % of full scale.

6 Operation and location of appliances under test
6.1 Equipping and pre-conditioning of appliances
6.1.1 The appliance is equipped with attachments, accessories, etc. as delivered by the
manufacturer for the intended use or function.
6.1.2 Care shall be taken to ensure that any auxiliary equipment (such as electrical
conduits or cables, piping for water supply or drainage, air ducts, etc.) necessary for the
operation of the appliance, does not radiate a significant amount of sound into the test
environment or change the sound output of the appliance. Guidelines are given in 6.2 of
ISO 3743-1:2010, in 8.4 of ISO 3743-2:2018 and in 6.2 ISO 3744:2010.
6.1.3 Prior to noise measurements, the appliance, equipped as for intended use, shall
have been in operation long enough to prevent excessive noise due to parts not being run in.
Running-in should take place at the highest speed setting, if any, and unless otherwise
stated, without load. The relevant part of IEC 60704-2 series indicates the total period for
running-in and the rated operating times unless the manufacturer has recommended
otherwise.
6.1.4 Immediately before each series of noise measurements, the appliance, equipped as
for the intended use, is operated for stabilizing at the highest speed setting, if any, and unless
otherwise stated, without load, as indicated in the relevant part of the IEC 60704-2 series or in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
6.2 Supply of electric energy and of water or gas
6.2.1 Appliances with mains powered electric motor(s) are supplied at rated voltage and at
rated frequency. Appliances designed for DC only are supplied with DC. If a voltage range
and/or a frequency range are indicated, then the supply voltage and/or frequency shall be the
nominal system voltage and/or system frequency of the country in which the appliance is
intended to be used. Tolerances shall not exceed ±2 % for voltage and ±1 % for frequency
throughout the test.
The nominal system voltage and its values are defined in IEC 60038:2009.
If the rated voltage of a mains supplied appliance differs from the nominal system voltage as
common in the country of use, measurements should be carried out at the nominal voltage as
common in the country of use.
The supply voltage is measured at the plug of a non-detachable cable or cord, or at the
appliance inlet if a detachable cable is provided, but in no case at the entrance of extension
cables or cords.
6.2.2 Appliances with battery-powered electric motor(s) are started, for noise
measurements, with full-charged batteries as specified by the manufacturer, and the
measurements are interrupted when the battery voltage under load has dropped for lead-acid
batteries to 0,9 times, and for other batteries to 0,8 times, the battery voltage under load at
the beginning of the test.
The battery voltage is measured at the battery terminals, if applicable.
6.2.3 Appliances incorporating heating, either electric or gas, may be operated without
heating, if the heating does not change the noise emission of the appliance.

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6.2.4 The water and/or gas supply, if any, shall be as specified by the manufacturer.
If not specified by the manufacturer, the water supply pressure shall be 240 kPa ± 50 kPa, the
temperature of cold water shall be 15 °C ± 2 °C and the temperature of hot water shall be
55 °C ± 2 °C, unless otherwise specified in the relevant part of the IEC 60704-2 series.
When, in some countries, the water supply pressure/temperature differs from the water supply
pressure/temperature of the country concerned, measurements carried out at rated
pressure/temperature can be misleading for the consumer. In this case, additional
measurements can be necessary. If the test pressure/temperature differs from the rated
pressure/temperature, this should be reported.
6.3 Climatic conditions
In general, household appliances (unless otherwise specified for a special family) are
operated under the following climatic conditions:
ambient temperature 18 °C to 28 °C
relative humidity 25 % to 70 %
atmospheric pressure 86 kPa to 106 kPa
6.4 Loading and operating of appliances during tests
6.4.1 General requirements are
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